Steve Bruce has discovered the extent of Allan Saint- Maximin's hamstring injury and has also been dealt a fresh blow on Dwight Gayle.
But the better news for the Newcastle United chief is that Andy Carroll should be close to a return after the international break after making good progress behind the scenes.
Carroll has been pencilled in for a September comeback with the striker counting down the days to his second debut for United.
Bruce said: "Injuries are frustrating for any manager.
"Gayle is a concern as he isn't getting better, he is going to see another specialist.
"Saint-Maximin will be three to five weeks out.
"We are hoping that by the international break Andy will be near."
Bruce was still reeling about Matt Ritchie's ankle injury after he was wiped out by Hamza Choudhury's challenge in the League Cup clash against Leicester.
He said: "It's ankle ligament damage.
"Thankfully it's not six months but it's bad enough."
